Written by Kevin NewhardFatherhood to me is a chance to mold this Nation, as well as, the world. Too much now-a-days people look to athletes or famous people to be the hero's for there kids. My opinion? That is the place of both parents and it is a very important roll that a father should take up.I learned this from my time in Regiment. As the Ranger Creed says I … [Read more...]
A Ranger’s Faith: Afghanistan Knocked Me Down. Faith Brought Me Back Up.
A Ranger's Faith: Afghanistan Knocked Me Down. Faith Brought Me Back Up. by Major Mike KelvingtonOn the 25th of April, 2012, I experienced a rare, but significant tactical defeat in Afghanistan. Since then, my career and outlook stems from the events of that day. I was the Battle Company commander in the 1-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment, leading my Soldiers through a … [Read more...]
“Telling The Trauma:” What Happens in War
The trauma of war and our ability to talk about it is a constant battle. Not all experiences are the same, and consideration of each has equal importance.13 years ago, one of my non-commissioned officers died in an ambush (improvised explosive device) in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. Not unlike other somber anniversary, I reflect on the event, and do what I can to both … [Read more...]
From Ritual to Reality: Because He Lives
Originally published March 27, 2016 by Scoti DomeijMy annual nostalgia of Easter now blossoms in reverse. My firstborn was killed in Afghanistan in the fall of 2011, the wild season of skeletal trees surrendering their fiery leaves to swirl and spiral into oblivion. Winter’s crushing mourning forged ahead—unstoppable, bringing life as I knew it to an abrupt halt. … [Read more...]
How Do You Manage Your Kids’ Digital Devices?
"How do you monitor your child’s phone?" I get asked this question a lot. It's easy to get scared as a parent these days with the amount of data and access that a mobile device provides your teenager. Many parents are understandably concerned about the access to the Internet, messaging, mobile apps, information and people that we didn’t have as kids.Let’s face it, if … [Read more...]
The ABCs of Gun Safety: An EMT’s Perspective
To begin, let me tell you why you need to read this article and absorb what I have to say. In just my small town, and just this week, I was involved in the care of three gunshot victims. Two of them died. One of those I took in a body bag to a morgue, the other I pronounced dead at the scene (let the coroner take care of that clean-up) and tried my damnedest to console a … [Read more...]
My Father Is Homeless, And I Don’t Help Him
My father is a homeless man, living on the streets of Tampa. He used to be a homeless man, living on the streets or in the shelters of Albuquerque until I got a random phone call to let me know he was a few miles from my house. It was a surprise to say the least. He says he made his way to Tampa because at the time, I had recently had surgery to rid my body of cancer. I say … [Read more...]
How the Gas Met the Brakes
My husband has always been a natural risk taker. Things that might turn others away, draw him in and the point where most people say, "ok, this is enough" is where he excels. He's great at quick decisions and finds things fun that others find well, scary.I, on the other hand, have always been a little bit of a natural risk assessor. It's as cool as it sounds. I've been … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day Exclusive: Trust Life a Little Bit
By: Julie HuynhIf there is such thing as a love lottery, then I’ll tell you, I won it. You might be surprised to hear me say this, seeing as how my last relationship topped the charts for ‘Most Tragic Endings of 2013.’ But, while grieving the sudden loss of my late fiancé, SFC Liam Jules Nevins, who was killed in a cowardly green-on-blue attack in Gardez, Afghanistan on … [Read more...]
Steady As She Goes
Written by Special Guest Author: L.A. Gardner“Steady as she goes….hold the line.” The words resonated off the screen at me in a way that I hadn’t felt in a long time. Secretary of Defense Mattis, Mad-Dog, father of many marine and soldier warriors, a hero to many and a non-tarnishable example of service and patriotism- had in those simple words spoken straight to my … [Read more...]